Careers in Aging: Becoming a Gerontechnologist
By 2030, nearly 72 million people in the U.S. will be 65 or older, and many will need extra support. Thanks to gerontechnologists and their assistive technology innovations — like wearables, smart home features, and robot helpers — older adults can enjoy more independent, fulfilling lives.
Gerontechnology improves the quality of life for seniors while opening doors to exciting, fast-growing careers. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is Gerontechnology?
Gerontechnology — sometimes called “age technology” — is exactly what it sounds like: gerontology (the study of aging) + technology. This field focuses on designing and developing tech solutions that address the unique needs of aging adults.
Coming up empty on gerontechnologist job listings? Here’s why: Gerontechnology isn’t a job, it’s a field. Gerontechnologists work in a broad range of careers in aging. These professionals may have different titles, but all share the same goal: making life easier and better for older adults via technology.
Think of gerontechnologists as part engineer, part designer and part aging expert. They create tools and systems that help seniors thrive.
If you’re wondering, “what is an example of gerontechnology?” think of tools like:
- Wearable trackers for vital signs and chronic conditions
- Smart lighting and thermostats
- Home monitoring and fall detection systems
- Fire prevention devices
- Robotic assistants
- Companions
- Mobility assistants
- Household helpers
What Does a Gerontechnologist Do?
No two days look the same for gerontechnologists, but daily tasks may include:
- Creating and running tech programs that support seniors
- Working with families and offering virtual training
- Exploring new ways to boost health, safety and independence
- Teaming up with experts from science, tech and medicine
- Staying up to date with the latest aging research
Careers in Aging: 5 Gerontechnologist Roles
Now, let’s get into some specific career paths and duties for age technology professionals.
#1: Assistive Technology Specialist
These experts bring specially developed technology into healthcare, senior living and home care settings.
#2: Technology Integration Specialist
Like assistive technology specialists, these professionals use tech to improve care in elder care facilities, senior living centers and homes, but they generally work with mainstream technology like mobile devices.
#3: Aging-in-Place Specialist
These specialists use tech to help seniors live safely and independently in their own homes.
#4: Product/Service Developer
These developers plan and build tech products and apps tailored specifically for seniors.
#5: Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Analyst
These analysts review new treatments and devices to determine if they’re effective, affordable and valuable for healthcare systems.
Where Do Gerontechnologists Work?
You’ll find gerontechnologists pretty much anywhere aging and technology intersect, including:
- Hospitals, rehabilitation centers and other medical facilities
- Home health agencies
- Schools
- Government and nonprofit agencies
- Senior communities
- Pharmaceutical and biotech companies
- Research institutes
- Design studios
- Corporate training and consulting companies
- Technology or construction firms
What’s the Pay and Job Outlook for Gerontechnologists?
Since gerontechnology jobs vary, their salaries do, too. For the five positions listed above, the average range starts around $54K and extends to $150K. That leaves a lot of room to grow.
Careers in aging are expanding fast. The estimate of 72 million seniors by 2030 represents a 14% increase from today’s 65+ U.S. population. More older adults means growing demand for assistive technologies — and the gerontechnologists who create them.
How Do You Become a Gerontechnologist?
The requirements for gerontechnology careers depend on the specific role, but a graduate-level degree in aging or gerontology is a must for advanced roles.
Want an extra resume boost? Consider optional professional certifications like Aging Life Care Professional (ALCP) or Care Manager Certification (CMC). Licensure is only required in some roles, like Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
But that’s just half the picture. Since gerontechnologists design apps and devices, they must round out their aging training and expertise with technological know-how. It’s crucial to have a background and training in areas like:
- AI
- Computer science (hardware and software)
- Data analysis
- User experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design
- Health informatics
- Robotics
Whatever gerontechnology path you take, choose a top school for your aging credentials. UF’s online innovative aging studies program covers the biological, psychological and clinical aspects of aging — and offers a gerontechnology elective to introduce you to assistive tech. You’ll want to complement this with additional tech training in areas like AI, data analysis or UX design.
Build the Aging Expertise You Need for a Gerontechnology Career
Technology is reshaping how older adults live. You can help them age with dignity in a gerontechnology role.
Start with an online graduate aging program from #1-ranked University of Florida:
- Online Master’s Degree in Innovative Aging Studies (30 credits)
- Explore biological, psychological, sociological and clinical aspects of aging.
- Online Master’s Degree in Medical Physiology and Aging (30 credits)
- Focus on medical physiology as you prepare for the MCAT.
Want to ease into gerontology? Try our 15-credit online Graduate Certificate in Aging and Geriatric Practice. It covers core aging topics like biology, neuroscience and age-related diseases and can be completed in just one year.
Join the next generation of age tech innovators. Learn more about UF’s online innovative aging studies programs.
Sources:
https://aginginplacedirectory.com/what-is-gerontechnology
https://news.mit.edu/2025/eldercare-robot-helps-people-sit-stand-catches-them-fall-0513
https://care.samarth.community/blog/memory-cognition/robots-for-senior-care/
https://www.salary.com/research/company/aging-in-place-specialists-salary
https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Technology-Integration-Specialist-Salary
https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/product-developer
https://library.oapen.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.12657/24835/1005
